Latest All Souls Procession brings thousands to Westside to celebrate tradition

Thousands gathered on Tucson’s westside to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This year’s holiday weekend culminated with the city’s 35th annual All Souls Procession.

The event, inspired by the traditional Mexican holiday, brought community members together to remember family and friends who’ve since passed. Back in 1990, local artist Susan Johnson was one leader who helped found the procession, as a means to honor lost loved ones and give any mourning or grieving neighbors a place to heal.

Since 2016, Many Mouths One Stomach (MMOS) has taken the lead in producing the procession. MMOS also provides educational opportunities for neighbors to join in workshops that teach craft-making, costume creation, and performance art.

This year’s procession started on Grande Avenue; participants walked more than a mile to the Mercado District. Many carried photos and mementos; some dropped personal notes in an urn that was later ceremonially burned to symbolize them releasing their own sorrow.

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